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Those elements are summarized in the following figure:
Figure 2.2 An Informal Invitation Letter Based on Suryana 2006: 126
3. Games in Language Learning
There are three parts discussed in this section, namely the definition of games, the advantages of games in the language learning and the kinds of games
used in this study.
a. The Definition of Games
Martin 1995: 1 as cited in Brewster et al. 2004: 172 state,
“Games are
fun activities which give young learners the opportunity to practice the foreign
language in a relaxed and enjoyable way”. Therefore, the learners will learn in an
enjoyable situation without realizing it. It means that the learners learn the materials in a fun way.
1 2
3 4
5 6
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b. The Advantages of Using Games in Language Learning
There are many advantages of using games in language learning. Bell and Wieckert 1985 say that games can increase
students’ motivation in learning
because games will make them active and participate in language learning. Moreover, Wright et al. 2006 state,
“Games encourage many learners to sustain their interest and work” p. 2.
Students’ motivation is important in the learning activities as stated by
Harmer 2007,
”Without such motivation we will almost certainly to make the
neces
sary effort” p. 98. Therefore, teachers are expected to be creative to improve students’ motivation. The teachers can create fun learning and good
atmosphere in class t
o improve students’ motivation by using games.
However, games create more than only fun in language learning. According to Brewster et al. 2004
, “games are not only motivating and fun but
also can provide excellent practice for improving pronunciation, vocabulary,
grammar and the four English skills” p. 172. Therefore, it is obvious that games
help the learners learn English and improve
the learners’ English skills. It is
supported by Wright et al. 2006 who say that games in EFL classes are language games which help the students experience the language rather than
study it. Moreover, Lee 1986 states that games bring a foreign language to life in the classroom. It is obvious that games really help the learners learn target
language by practicing and using the language. Therefore, the le
arners’ skill in
language skills will improve.
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c. The Kinds of Games in this Study
